Poroshenko Discusses Release of Political Prisoners with G7 and EU Ambassadors

Photo from president.gov.ua website

President Petro Poroshenko met with the ambassadors of the G7 countries and the European Union yesterday, June 15, reported the president’s press service.

The head of state noted that Ukraine’s security is undoubtedly a consolidating element in the foreign policy of the G7 states. He also emphasized that unity in supporting Ukraine in restoring its territorial integrity and keeping anti-Russian sanctions in place is very important.

Particular attention was paid to the issue of Ukrainians illegally detained in Russia and occupied Crimea. The president spoke about the efforts made to release them and stressed on the importance of consolidating international efforts in this context.

“The issue of Ukrainian political prisoners and those who are illegally detained in Russia has become one of the key issues during my meeting with the ambassadors of the G7 countries and the EU. I noted the importance of consolidating international efforts for their speedy release,” the president wrote on Twitter.

He noted that he had signed a law on the creation of an anti-corruption court, in regards to creating an independent judiciary in the country.

Furthermore, Ukraine’s progress in implementing various reforms was discussed, in particular, in the context of reforming the national security sector. Important attention was also given to ensuring the energy security of Ukraine and the EU.

Preparations for the Ukraine-EU and Ukraine-NATO summits to be held in Brussels this July was also discussed.

The EU’s Political and Security Committee also visited Ukraine and the delegation met with the president.

Photo from president.gov.ua website

During the meeting, the president and representatives of the committee discussed the security situation in the Joint Forces Operation areas in eastern Ukraine, the results of the Normandy format meeting, the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements, as well as the prospects for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, Poroshenko’s press service reported.

The president devoted considerable attention to the situation in occupied Crimea, in particular in the context of the construction of Russia’s bridge and blocking of part of the Azov Sea for Ukrainian ships, and the release of Ukrainian hostages and political prisoners.

The readiness for further deepening of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of foreign and security policy was discussed, in particular in terms of combating hybrid threats, cyber attacks and interference in electoral processes.

Representatives of the EU member states noted the progress of Ukraine in implementating reforms. They also reaffirmed their support of Ukraine’s European aspirations and its territorial integrity.

“Gratitude to the delegation of the EU Political and Security Committee for a visit to Ukraine to get acquainted with the real situation in Donbas. The visit is of particular importance in the light of the next revision of EU sanctions on Russia in June and July, and preparations for the 20th EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels on July 9,” Poroshenko wrote on Twitter.